Fashion Talks

Inside Fashion Talks: The Creative Pulse Kicking Off AFW 2025

Asunción Fashion Week 2025 opened its doors on Thursday with the much-anticipated Fashion Talks, igniting the city’s creative energy and launching a weekend of bold ideas, powerful stories, and emerging visionaries. Held in the heart of Paraguay’s fashion scene, the talks united established designers, branding experts, and fashion entrepreneurs who generously shared the challenges, insights, and values that shape their work.

Here’s what The Asunción Times experienced on this powerful first day at Asuncíon Fashion Week 2025!

Hugo “Negro” Vázquez at Fashion Talks

With years of experience fusing architecture with fashion, Hugo “Negro” Vázquez spoke about the evolution of the local industry and the importance of professionalising the fashion ecosystem. His talk emphasized personal branding, image, and the deeply human side of the atelier – a space where clothing becomes a canvas for real lives and stories.

Caburé World is set to debut on the runway for the first time this weekend, marking a new chapter for the brand. Vázquez also announced the opening of two new Caburé stores in local shopping centres, reinforcing the momentum behind his creative universe.

Innovamos Consulting – Branding with purpose

The dynamic team behind Innovamos Consulting offered valuable insights into what sets successful brands apart. Their talk focused on storytelling, brand values, and visual identity, with a practical look at their branding checklist – a tool that helps entrepreneurs define and communicate what makes their brand unique.

They showcased successful collaborations with renowned brands, with Matías Irala highlighting how consistent, clear branding can drive engagement and sustainable growth. “Design is just one part of the equation. Your message has to live up to it,” they emphasized at Fashion Talks.

Javier Abbate – Reinventing a legacy with VGS

One of the most inspiring stories of the day came from Javier Abbate, who spoke with raw honesty about decades in fashion retail. From his early days selling from a small store downtown to entertaining crowds dressed as superheroes at the Expos, Abbate’s dedication has been relentless.

Now, his brand VGS is going through a dynamic rebranding, a merging decades of experience with a fresh, youthful appeal. His talk highlighted sustainable practices like textile waste management and ecological washing processes, and shared that sales are already up 18% in the first quarter of 2025 proving the forthcoming success of their rebranding.

“We’ve fallen many times, but always stood back up,” said Abbate. “You must trust your dream, your craft, and face each day with a positive mindset.”

Sin Documentos – Branding through authenticity

With sharp clarity and refreshing honesty, Marian González and Cecilia Romero from Sin Documentos explored at Fashion Talks how to find your voice as a brand in a saturated digital space. Their advice: start with a clear goal, add value through storytelling, and embrace partnerships that align with your purpose.

They emphasized that audiences resonate with content that presents real challenges and real solutions. “The most beautiful thing you can offer on social media,” they said, “is your authentic self.”

Leticia Cano – Garbo Imagen Paraguay

Bringing the day to a close, Leticia Cano, Garbo Imagen Paraguay, delivered a concise but powerful reminder: personal image matters. Whether you’re entering a boardroom or a casting call, how you present yourself communicates volumes before you even speak. Her expertise lies in helping individuals align their external image with their internal confidence. This was a lesson that resonated strongly with the creative crowd.

What’s next at Asunción Fashion Week 2025?

With the Fashion Talks setting the stage, the city now looks ahead to a packed weekend of runway shows, emerging talent, and the first-ever Caburé World catwalk debut. Local and international designers will take centre stage, and The Asunción Times will be there to cover every look, every moment, and every story worth telling.

Follow our live coverage at The Asunción Times on Instagram.